Definition
Computer programs that recreate the visual, instrument, and handling characteristics of an aircraft in flight, allowing a user to practice procedures, navigation, and decision-making on a desktop, tablet, or dedicated training device without leaving the ground.
Plain English
A program on a computer or tablet that lets you fly a pretend aircraft on screen so you can practice the way a real flight would feel and work.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of training tools, home study, and practice before or between actual flight lessons.
Derivation
Simulation comes from the Latin simulare, meaning 'to make like' or 'to imitate.' The software imitates the aircraft and the flying environment closely enough that the practice carries over to the real thing.
Why Pilots Care
Provides safe, repeatable practice of procedures and decision-making that reduces risk and cost while building competence before real flights.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “simulation” means the same as real flight. Flight simulation software can be useful practice, but the airplane, weather, motion, and pressure of actual flying are not fully duplicated.
Example Sentence 1
Between lessons, the student used flight simulation software at home to rehearse the traffic pattern and radio calls for her local airport.
Example Sentence 2
Many pilots log additional instrument time on approved flight simulation software when weather prevents actual flights.